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©The Author(s) 2025.
World J Transplant. Dec 18, 2025; 15(4): 108226
Published online Dec 18, 2025. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v15.i4.108226
Table 2 Summary of important temporary mechanical circulatory support devices
Device
Insertion method
Ventricular support
LV unloading
Cardiac output increase (L/min)
Oxygenation
Pump mechanism
Insertion location
Location of device
Cardiac synchronization
Mandatory anticoagulation
Durability
Ambulation possibility (If yes, not commonly performed)
FDA approval for BTT
Major contraindications
Major adverse events
IABPPercutaneousLeftIndirect0.5NoPneumaticFemoral or axillary arteryProximal descending aortaYesNo, but recommendedDaysYes if subclavian approachNoSignificant AI, aortic dissection, PVDLimb ischemia, bleeding, vessel injury, aortic rupture, thrombocytopenia
Impella CPPercutaneousLeftYes3-4NoAxialFemoral or axillary arteryAcross aortic valveNoNo with BBPS1, but recommendedApproved for ≤ 4 daysPossible with axillary approachNoSignificant PVD, AI, VSD, metallic aortic valveLimb ischemia, valve injury, hemolysis, bleeding, ventricular arrhythmia
Impella 5.5Surgical cutdownLeftYes6NoAxialAxillary artery or directly into aortaAcross aortic valveNoNo with BBPS1, but recommendedApproved for upto 14 days; Often used for days to few weeksPossible with axillary approachNoSignificant PVD, AI, VSD, metallic aortic valveLimb ischemia, valve injury, hemolysis, bleeding, ventricular arrhythmia
Impella RPPercutaneousRightYes4NoAxialFemoral veinPulmonary arteryNoYesApproved for upto 14 days. Often used for days to few weeksPossible with axillary approachNoDisorders of pulmonary artery wall, mechanical valves, PVD, mural thrombus of right atriumBleeding, vascular complication, hemolysis, thrombus, valve injury, arrhythmia
VA-ECMOPercutaneousLeft, right, or bothNo10YesCentrifugalFemoral artery, femoral vein, internal jugular vein, or central cannulationExtracorporealNoYesApproved for 6hrsYes, with portable ECMO devicesNoAI, aortic dissection, LV thrombus, severe PVDVascular injury, limb ischemia, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage
Centri-Mag VADSurgicalLeft, right, or bothYes10Yes- with oxygenatorCentrifugalLeft ventricle/Right superior pulmonary vein, AortaExtracorporealNoYesWeeks to monthsYesNoAI, aortic dissection, LV thrombus, severe coagulopathyBleeding, thrombus, infection, stroke
Tandem Heart pVADPercutaneousLeftYes5NoCentrifugalFemoral artery and vein, requires transseptal punctureFemoral arteryNoYesApproved for upto 6 hoursNoNoAI, PVD, known atrial thrombusVascular injury, limb ischemia, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage
Tandem Heart Protek DuoPercutaneousRightNo4.5Yes- with addition of oxygenatorCentrifugalInternal jugular veinRight atrium to pulmonary arteryNoYesApproved for 6 days, used weeks to monthsYes, if internal jugular accessNoSevere PVD, severe pulmonary hypertensionBleeding, vascular complications, thrombus, hemolysis
Syncardia TAHSurgicalBoth (total heart replacement)Not applicable, device replaces both ventricles7-9NoPneumaticDevice directly attached to atriaFully implantableNoYesMonths to yearsYesYesSevere systemic illness, coagulopathy, inadequate body sizeStroke, infection, thromboembolism, device malfunction


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